Daddy Saved These

_____Daddy Saved These______ It has been many moons since my Father passed. Then came that day, I unearthed these lovely treasures Daddy had saved. My very first pair of knitted pink and white booties. Add a first pair of soft,white high shoes,so beautiful. These were the days prior to kids beautiful little feet, Being slammed into running shoes. A first birthday card from my Grandpa! They don't make cards like that anymore. A wonderful silky, glistening  color, soft and pinkish. So obviously for a baby girl! Inside, the most sterling piece! My grandfather's very own signature! It did make me cry as memories  flooded back of him. Grandfather with his spiffy wooden cane,walking and laughing together, in a warm Chicago Spring rain. Or on the floor at Christmas, playing with my magical Lionel train. He even had a player piano that most children will never see. Oh, what a joy to play with you. And my frustration and angst, when my parents gave that beauty away! I have no idea why...but Daddy saved my sixth grade dictionary. Oh, Daddy, you! Sweet as a confectionary. That irreplaceable Mother of Pearl  Prayer book I carried at my own First Communion and a real crystal  rosary,too. He saved my Missals both in Latin and English, I had far more than two. Some are now collector's items. Do you know that Daddy, as you fly in God's heaven? That third grade spelling medal I received of which you were so proud. And into the world of dancing, first pink ballet shoes so very delicate and tiny. Then,to satiny toe shoes. My initialed,eighth grade leather autograph book,with a zipper and colored pages. Filled with sayings sweet, from my friends through the ages! I decided to elope and left a letter for you and Mommy. Yes, that letter still is here, Daddy Dear, you saved that, too. I see how much I meant to you! This is only a partial list in an age where all things are so easily disposable! Things were cherished as if they were as delicate as crystal. And closeness and family meant just that. Would you throw these away? I can't! For you see I inherited his heart. My daughter will inherit these, as her soul is a triplicate of his. Better, I can see it in my grandson, too. He's a blessing too, who carries his Great Grandfather's name. "Edward", how regal and magnificent! Know from what great heritage, you most certainly came. I have no love for SMART things, those loveless devices! I miss a world that was once filled with understanding and glowing with a love ambiance! When God was honored far more than His moon and stars above. And the days when we all were,a  country we are proud of. Our family entirely was and is happy to be called Americans, with God in our hearts, forever! Thank you, Daddy! You taught me to value the things of the heart. Of which God is the humongous, and most significant part. August 17, 2019